Michigan.Careers.org
Fast Facts: Almost half of Michigan is comprised of water; as a result, a resident is never more than six miles from a natural water source. The capital city is Lansing, while the largest city is Detroit.
Michigan Careers: As of 2008, U.S. Census data estimated Michigan’s population at just over 10 million. Forbes recently ranked Michigan as the 47th “Best State for Business.”
Michigan Career Education: Michigan was ranked 29th in a 2009 K-12 “Academic Achievement” study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Michigan Economy: While closely aligned with the automobile industry, in 2007 Michigan ranked second in the nation in agricultural revenues.
For details and sources, click the “Career Information” tab below.
Michigan Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location...: Michigan is located in the midwestern region of the United States, the state is officially named after Lake Michigan.
Cities: The capital city is Lansing, while the largest cities in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids and Warren.
Behind the Name: Michigan is nicknamed the “Wolverine State" for the abundance of wolverines that once roamed the peninsula.
A Closer Look: Michigan is uniquely divided into two distinct geographic sections, the “Upper Peninsula” and the “Lower Peninsula,” connected by the “Big Mac” or Mackinac Bridge.
Did You Know? Anyone interested in some beach front property? Almost half of Michigan is comprised of water, and except for Alaska it has more shoreline than any other state. As a result, a person in the state is never more than six miles from a natural water source, or more than 87.2 miles from the Great Lakes coastline.
Michigan Careers and Employment:
Population: 10,003,422 (0.7% increase since 2000) – 50.8% Female, 49.2% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 47th in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) manufacturing; (2) retail trade; (3) health care and social assistance; (4) accommodation and food services; and (5) administrative and support and waste management and remediation services.
Taxes: Income Tax, 4.35% and Sales Tax, 6% (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 97.0 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 40th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 18.87; Apr: 42.57; July: 68.32; Oct: 47.58 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 29th of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
Michigan Economics:
In General: Historically the economy in Michigan depended almost entirely on automobile manufacturing, but the state has since diversified and created career opportunities in many additional industries. The majority of the jobs in Michigan are divided between the service industry and the manufacturing industry.
Agriculture: The state ranks second in the nation in agricultural revenues; dairy products including milk and cheese generate nearly one-fourth of such revenues. Michigan is also one of the leading producers of apples, blueberries and its famed cherries from Traverse City.
Manufacturing: The manufacturing of transportation equipment (automobiles, trucks, vans, SUVs, airplanes, boats, buses) is one of Michigan’s most valuable economic sectors, along with the production of transportation-based machinery (bearings, chisels, dies, valves, machine parts, conveyors, engines, machine tools, pumps).
Mining: Michigan ranks second behind Minnesota in the production of iron ore and one of the world’s largest limestone quarries in located in the state.
Fishing: The state embraces a considerable fish-catch taken from the Great Lakes that includes salmon, whitefish, catfish and trout.
Did You Know? In need of a little holiday cheer, look no further than Michigan, which is the nation’s second largest grower of Christmas trees.
Michigan Education:
In General: With more than 45 public and 65 private colleges and universities, as well as several vocational and technical schools, Michigan provides a large selection of opportunities in higher learning.
In the Rankings: U.S. News and World Report rankings: National Rankings – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (#26), Michigan State University (#71); Liberal Arts Rankings – Kalamazoo College (#60), Hope College (#88), Hillsdale College (#98).
Online Education: There are a variety of accredited online universities offering degrees in the state of Michigan.
A Closer Look: Michigan is also host to many fine small colleges, such as the Presbyterian-founded Alma College that is continuously touted for its commitment to fostering social responsibility and public service.
Did You Know? The University of Michigan is the home of the world-renowned University of Michigan Health System that boasts one of the largest research expenditures of any American university.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.